35 Maiden Lane,
Covent Garden,
London,
WC2E 7LB
0871 971 3279
The ViewLondon Review
General Price Guide: Moderate - Expensive.
Location and Punters:
Rules, the oldest restaurant in London, was once the dining haunt of aristocrats and the well to do. Nowadays, it is still a smart place to dine, but the punters are drawn from a wider circle and it is conveniently located for theatre goers. The nearest tube station is Charing Cross.
Atmosphere and Décor:
Founded in 1798, Rules exudes history, tradition and unabashed exclusivity. There is an air of formality about the dining room with its comfortably old-fashioned furnishings and décor.
Dark wood panelling and displays of hunting regalia complete the scene. As well as the main restaurant which seats 133 people, Rules has four private dining rooms. These seat between 12 and 24 people and are available for functions, meetings etc. Service is generally efficient, but at times, a little jaded at the booking desk.
Nosh and Drinks:
The cooking is predominantly good, traditional British fare. There is the occasional sop to modernity, with the updating of certain classic British dishes, when this occurs, the food is imaginatively prepared and presented.
The menu specialises in seasonal game and it is not uncommon to see woodcock, snipe, and ptarmigan listed as well as the more common pheasant, duck etc. Typical starters such as Potted Shrimps set in a Spiced Lobster Butter and Foie Gras and Wild Duck Terrine are usually available.
Staple main dishes might include Widgeon in Truffle Oil with Smokey Bacon or Dover Sole and Chips or Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding. Desserts have a touch of the school dinner about them. Regular options include Apple and Rhubarb Crumble, Bread Pudding and Treacle Sponge Pudding served with thin Vanilla Custard. A set dinner costs from £20 upwards. There is a fine wine list but prices are a little high. The house wine costs around £14 per bottle.
The Experience:
The uncompromising, traditional British atmosphere sets Rules apart. It makes a pleasant change from the plethora of modern London restaurants where the pace is more hurried.
Rules has been reviewed by 4 users